Georgian Economic Development Minister Giorgi Arveladze (file photo) (InterPressNews)
June 21, 2007 -- Georgia and the United States have agreed to establish a joint council aimed at increasing trade and investment and making it easier for people in the two countries to do business with one another.

The agreement was signed June 20 in Washington by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative John Voroneau and Georgian Minister of Economic Development Giorgi Arveladze.

Voroneau said increased trade and investment between the United States and Georgia will strengthen Georgia's efforts to reform and develop its economy.

Georgian leaders say they hope the move could pave the way for an eventual free-trade agreement, which would help its efforts to reorient its economy toward the West.